Influence of environment variations on anti-glycaemic, anti-cholesterolemic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of natural wild fruits of Ziziphus lotus (L.).

Abstract

Ziziphus lotus (L.) is a widespread plant in Algeria, its fruit well known for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. This study was conceived to evaluate the effect of environment on secondary metabolites contents of Ziziphus lotus (L.) fruits their anti-glycaemic, anti-cholesterolemic, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. To carry out this work, nine natural populations of Ziziphus lotus (L.) harvested from different regions in many bioclimatic stages in Algeria were used to evaluate the environment effect on biological activities of this plant. Metabolite content was determined by colorimetric method. Obtained results showed significant difference between Ziziphus lotus (L.). Metabolites content varied considerably between the different Z. lotus (L.) populations. The population from Mougheul showed the highest levels of total phenolics and tannins levels (1349,46±351,78 and 277,946±60,8 mg Eq AG.100g−1 DM respectively), while, the highest contents of flavonoid was obtained with the population of Metlili (98,259±1,44 mg Eq Q.100g−1 DM). However, the highest ascorbic acid content was obtained with the population of Ouled Ziad (851,013±36,48 mg.100g−1 DM). Meanwhile, the populations from Metlili and Mougheul showed the most important anti-cholesterolemic and antibacterial activities. Populations from Tidda and Bougtob have shown the higher DPPH (2,2-diphényl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging potential and the highest anti-glycaemic and antifungal activities. Overall, Erwinia carotovora, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Fusarium lycopersici and Penicillium italicum were observed to be the most resistant strains against all the tested extracts. Ziziphus lotus (L.) population from Djemâa Ouled Chikh caused no effect on microorganisms, glycemia and cholesterolemia.